There was a great article in the New York Times Style Section (I like to call it the Shallow Section) about how most consumer goods have become more expensive in the past decade but clothing has generally stayed the same price or even gone down. For example, a pair of Levi's 501's cost $50 in 1998, and $46 in 2008. A Lacoste Polo shirt went for $95 in 1998. The retail price in 2008 is $75.
Without saying, luxury items are an exception to this rule and the price increases at many high-end fashion brands continue to defy gravity. One example given is the price of a “Speedy” handbag — the entry-level style at Louis Vuitton — has more than doubled, to $685.
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